Thermal print head, thermal printer and heat sink manufacturing method

Abstract

The thermal print head includes: a head substrate having a plurality of heating parts formed thereon; a heat sink which is thermally connected to the head substrate and has a recess formed on the back side of the heat sink which is opposite to the side connected to the head substrate; a metal component disposed inside the recess; and a bonding agent disposed between the bottom side of the recess and the metal component. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the back side, the recess has an area where the metal component is disposed and a groove area where no metal component is disposed. A portion of the bonding agent is disposed in the groove area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a thermal print head, a thermal printer and a method for manufacturing a heat dissipation plate. Background Art

[0002] A thermal print head is a device that records by causing a heat-reactive material such as thermal paper or thermal transfer tape to react by Joule heat generated by energizing a resistor on a substrate. A thermal printer includes the thermal print head.

[0003] The thermal print head has a heat sink for dissipating heat from the substrate. The heat sink can be used as a base when the thermal print head is installed in the printer body. In the prior art, the heat sink is screwed to the printer body. Summary of the invention

[0004] In the case where the thermal print head is fixed to the printer body by the magnetic force of a magnet instead of screw fixing, a recess is formed on the surface (back side) of the heat sink that contacts the printer body, and a metal plate is installed in the recess. By bringing the heat sink close to the magnet provided on the printer body, the metal plate becomes magnetic, and the thermal print head is fixed to the printer body.

[0005] The bottom surface of the concave portion of the heat sink is bonded to the metal plate by an adhesive. When the amount of adhesive is large, the excess adhesive will leak onto the back of the heat sink and need to be wiped off. On the other hand, when the amount of adhesive is small, sufficient bonding strength cannot be obtained, and there is a problem that the metal plate falls off from the heat sink.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and aims to provide a thermal print head and a thermal printer that can suppress leakage of adhesive to the back surface of a heat sink and fall-off of metal parts. The present invention aims to provide a method for manufacturing a heat sink that can simplify the manufacturing process.

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the thermal print head of the present invention includes: a head substrate having a plurality of heating parts; a heat sink which is thermally connected to the head substrate, and a recess is formed on the back side of the heat sink which is opposite to the surface connected to the head substrate; a metal component arranged inside the recess; and a bonding agent arranged between the bottom surface of the recess and the metal component. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the back side, the recess has an area where the metal component is arranged and a groove area where no metal component is arranged. A part of the bonding agent is arranged in the groove area.

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a thermal print head and a thermal printer that can suppress leakage of adhesive to the back surface of a heat sink and fall-off of metal parts. According to the present invention, it is possible to simplify the manufacturing process of a heat sink. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1A It is a plan view showing the structure of a thermal print head according to a plurality of embodiments.

[0010] Figure 1B Yes means Figure 1A A side view of the thermal print head in the main scanning direction (X direction).

[0011] Figure 1C Yes means Figure 1A A side view of the connector terminal (3a, 3b) side of the thermal print head.

[0012] Figure 2A It only indicates Figure 1A FIG. 2 is a plan view of a heat sink 1 among components of a thermal print head.

[0013] Figure 2B Yes means Figure 2A A side view of the heat sink 1 in the main scanning direction (X direction).

[0014] Figure 2C Yes means Figure 2A A side view of the side of the connector terminal (3a, 3b) side of the heat sink 1.

[0015] Figure 2D It means Figure 2A The heat sink 1 is shown in a bottom view of the rear side opposite to the front side.

[0016] Figure 3 It means along Figure 2D FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the recessed portion 11 a and the metal component 12 a taken along the line AA′.

[0017] Figure 4 Yes Figure 2D The recess 11a and the metal component 12a are shown in an enlarged plan view.

[0018] Figure 5 This is an enlarged plan view of the recessed portion 21 and the metal member 22 of the second embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 This is an enlarged plan view of the recessed portion 31 and the metal member 32 of the third embodiment.

[0020] Figure 7 This is an enlarged plan view of the recessed portion 41 and the metal member 42 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0021] Figure 8 This is an enlarged plan view of the recessed portion 51 and the metal member 52 of the fifth embodiment.

[0022] Fig. 9It is an enlarged plan view of the recessed portion 61 and the metal member 62 according to the sixth embodiment.

[0023] Fig.10 It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the recessed portion 11 a according to the seventh embodiment.

[0024] Fig.11A It is a side view showing the side surface of the heat sink 1 in the main scanning direction (X direction) according to the eighth and ninth embodiments.

[0025] Fig. 11B It is a bottom view showing the back surface (BS) of the heat sink 1 according to the eighth embodiment.

[0026] Fig. 11C It means along Fig. 11B FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the recessed portion 71 and the metal component 72 taken along the line BB′.

[0027] Fig. 12A It is a bottom view showing the back surface (BS) of the heat sink 1 according to the ninth embodiment.

[0028] Fig. 12B It means along Fig. 12A FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the structure of the recessed portion 71 and the metal component 82 a taken along the line CC′. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0030] (First Embodiment)

[0031] <Thermal Print Head>

[0032] Reference Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 1C The structure of the thermal printhead of the first embodiment is described. The thermal printhead includes a head substrate 2a having a plurality of heating resistors (heat generating portions) 5 arranged in a main scanning direction (one direction: X direction) and a heat sink 1 thermally connected to the head substrate 2a.

[0033] Various metal electrodes including a common electrode electrically connected to the heating resistor section 5, a separate electrode electrically connected to the common electrode via the heating resistor section 5, a high potential electrode, and a ground electrode are arranged on the head substrate 2a, but are not shown in the figure. In addition, a driving IC 6 is arranged on the head substrate 2a. The driving IC 6 is electrically connected to the separate electrode and controls the energization of the heating resistor section 5. The driving IC 6 is covered with a protective film made of resin.

[0034] The heat sink 1 is made of aluminum, for example, and dissipates the heat generated on the head substrate 2a to the outside of the thermal print head. The head substrate 2a and the connection substrate 2b are connected to the heat sink 1, and the connection substrate 2b is connected to the connector terminals (3a, 3b). The driver IC 6 is electrically connected to the connector terminals (3a, 3b) via the wiring on the connection substrate 2b. The driver IC 6 is driven based on the control signal input from the connector terminals (3a, 3b) so that the heating resistor portion 5 selectively generates heat.

[0035] Above the head substrate 2a and the connection substrate 2b ( Figure 1C A resin protective cover 4 is disposed in the Z direction. The connection substrate 2b and the protective cover 4 are fixed to the heat sink 1 by three external screws (7a to 7c).

[0036] A thermal printer according to various embodiments includes Figure 1A to Figure 1C The thermal print head shown and the printer body on which the thermal print head is installed. In multiple embodiments, a magnet fixing method is used to fix the thermal print head to the printer body by the magnetic force of a magnet instead of the existing threaded fixing method. By using the magnet fixing method, there is no need to align the thermal print head relative to the printer body. A recess is formed on the surface (back side) of the heat sink 1 that contacts the printer body, and a metal component is installed in the recess. By bringing the heat sink 1 close to the magnet provided on the printer body, the metal component exhibits magnetism and the thermal print head is fixed to the printer body.

[0037] <Heat Radiator>

[0038] Reference Figure 2A to Figure 2D Next, the heat sink 1 and the metal parts and bonding agent included in the thermal print head of the first embodiment will be described.

[0039] like Figure 2B , Figure 2C and Figure 2D As shown, among the surfaces of the heat sink 1, Figure 1A and Figure 1C The back surface (BS) of the connection head substrate 2a shown in the figure is formed with recessed portions (11a to 11d). The thermal print head of the first embodiment further includes metal parts (12a to 12d) disposed inside the recessed portions (11a to 11d).

[0040] The metal parts (12a to 12d) are made of a ferromagnetic body that exhibits strong magnetism and can fix the thermal print head as a whole to the printer body by approaching a magnet installed on the mounting surface of the printer body. The material of the metal parts (12a to 12d) is, for example, a cold-rolled steel plate (Steel Plate Cold Commercial: SPCC). In order to suppress the generation of rust, the surface of the metal parts (12a to 12d) may be galvanized.

[0041] In the first embodiment, four recesses (11a to 11d) and four metal parts (12a to 12d) are illustrated, but the number of recesses and metal parts is not limited thereto, and may be 1, 2, 3, or 5 or more. When there are multiple recesses and metal parts, the recesses (11a to 11d) and metal parts (12a to 12d) are arranged in the main scanning direction (X direction). However, the positions of the recesses (11a to 11d) and metal parts (12a to 12d) in the sub-scanning direction (Y direction) are not related. That is, they may be consistent or inconsistent.

[0042] Figure 2D This shows an example in which the shapes of the four recesses (11a to 11d) and the metal parts (12a to 12d) are identical when viewed from the direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the back surface (BS) of the heat sink 1. However, as described later, the shapes of the inner peripheries of the recesses may be different from each other in the same heat sink 1. Similarly, the shapes of the outer peripheries of the metal parts may be different from each other.

[0043] also, Figure 1A The three external threaded parts (7a~7c) are screwed into the internal threaded parts (8a~8c) formed on the heat dissipation plate 1.

[0044] <Concave parts and metal parts>

[0045] Reference Figure 3 Instructions along the Figure 2D In addition, the following description of the first embodiment takes the recess 11a and the metal component 12a as an example, but other recesses (11b to 11d) and other metal components (12b to 12d) also have the same structure as the recess 11a and the metal component 12a.

[0046] The thermal print head of the first embodiment further includes a bonding agent 13 disposed between the bottom surface of the recess 11a and the metal component 12a. The bonding agent 13 is used to mount the metal component 12a inside the recess 11a. The inside of the recess 11a includes an area where the metal component 12a is disposed and two groove areas (14a, 14b) where the metal component 12a is not disposed. The two groove areas (14a, 14b) are disposed at positions sandwiching the metal component 12a in the AA' cross-sectional plane.

[0047] A portion of the adhesive 13 is disposed in the groove region (14a, 14b). Specifically, a portion of the adhesive 13 is disposed on the bottom surface of the groove region (14a, 14b). During the mounting operation of the metal component 12a to the recessed portion 11a, the adhesive 13 that is squeezed out from the gap between the metal component 12a and the bottom surface of the recessed portion 11a to the groove region (14a, 14b) corresponds to a portion of the adhesive 13 disposed in the groove region (14a, 14b).

[0048] Figure 4 FIG. 1 is an enlarged plan view showing the recessed portion 11a and the metal member 12a viewed from a direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the back surface (BS) of the heat sink 1. Figure 4 As shown, the recessed portion 11a viewed from a direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the back surface (BS) of the heat sink 1 has an area where the metal component 12a is arranged and a groove area (14a, 14b) where the metal component 12a is not arranged. A portion of the adhesive 13 extruded is arranged on the bottom surface of the groove area (14a, 14b). Therefore, the portion of the adhesive 13 arranged on the bottom surface of the groove area (14a, 14b) can be identified from the direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the back surface (BS) of the heat sink 1. Thus, the portion of the adhesive 13 extruded toward the groove area (14a, 14b) can be identified from the direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the back surface (BS) of the heat sink, so that the insufficient bonding strength of the metal component 12a and the detachment of the metal component 12a from the heat sink 1 due to too little amount of adhesive 13 can be suppressed. On the other hand, even if the amount of adhesive 13 is excessive, as Figure 3 As shown, the excess bonding agent 13 accumulates in the groove regions (14a, 14b) and is not easily exposed to the back surface (BS) of the heat sink 1. Therefore, there is no need to wipe off the excess bonding agent 13. In other words, various problems caused by uneven amounts of bonding agent 13 can be suppressed.

[0049] like Figure 4As shown, the inner periphery of the recess 11a viewed from the direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the back surface (BS) has a plurality of positioning portions (15a, 15b) in contact with the outer periphery of the metal component 12a. That is, a portion of the inner periphery of the recess 11a is consistent with the outer periphery of the metal component 12a within the range allowed by the processing accuracy of the inner periphery of the recess 11a and the outer periphery of the metal component 12a. A plurality of positioning portions (15a, 15b) in contact with the outer periphery of the metal component 12a are provided on a portion of the inner periphery of the recess 11a, thereby determining the in-plane position of the metal component 12a relative to the recess 11a.

[0050] like Figure 4 As shown, the inner periphery of the recessed portion 11a viewed from the direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the back surface (BS) further includes partitions (14a, 14b) spaced apart from the outer periphery of the metal component 12a. Since the inner periphery of the recessed portion 11a includes the positioning portions (15a, 15b) and the partitions (14a, 14b), the metal component 12a can be positioned without the need to wipe off the excess bonding agent 13, and the metal component 12a can be prevented from falling off.

[0051] In addition, the partitions (14a, 14b) correspond to Figure 3 The groove regions (14a, 14b) shown in FIG. Since the excess adhesive 13 extruded is accumulated in the groove regions (14a, 14b), leakage to the back surface (BS) of the heat sink 1 is suppressed. On the other hand, the presence or absence of the excess adhesive 13 extruded into the partitions (14a, 14b) can be identified from a direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the back surface (BS), thereby suppressing insufficient bonding strength and falling off of metal parts.

[0052] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the two groove regions (14a, 14b) are arranged at positions sandwiching the metal member 12a. By identifying the bonding agent extruded into the two groove regions (14a, 14b) sandwiching the metal member 12a, it is possible to confirm whether the bonding strength between the metal member 12a and the bottom surface of the recessed portion 11a is sufficiently high.

[0053] (Second Embodiment)

[0054] Next, other embodiments in which the shapes of the recess and the metal component are different are described. Figure 1A to Figure 1C and Figure 2A to Figure 2C The overall structure of the thermal print head of the first embodiment shown is the same, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0055] like Figure 5 As shown, the thermal print head of the second embodiment replaces Figure 2D and Figure 4 The recessed parts (11a to 11d) and the metal parts (12a to 12d) shown in the figure have one or more recessed parts 21 and the metal parts 22 arranged inside the recessed parts 21.

[0056] The outer periphery of the metal component 22 viewed from a direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the back surface (BS) of the heat sink 1 has a perfect circular shape. In contrast, the inner periphery of the recess 21 has a perfect circular shape having a diameter longer than the outer periphery of the metal component 22, and has three protruding positioning portions 23 spaced approximately 120 degrees from the center of the perfect circle. The front ends of the three positioning portions 23 are in contact with the outer periphery of the metal component 22, respectively.

[0057] The inner periphery of the recessed portion 21 excluding the positioning portion 23 forms a partition portion 24 . Figure 5 The cross-sectional shapes of the recess 21 and the metal member 22 shown in FIG. Figure 3 That is, the recess 21 has a region where the metal member 22 is disposed and a groove region 24 where no metal member 22 is disposed. The bonding agent 13 is disposed between the bottom surface of the recess 21 and the metal member 22. A portion of the bonding agent 13 is disposed in the groove region 24.

[0058] In addition, the inner periphery of the recess 21 and the outer periphery of the metal component 22 are not limited to a perfect circular shape, but may be an elliptical shape. The number of the protruding positioning portions 23 is not limited to 3, but may be 4 or more. Furthermore, the number of the protruding positioning portions 23 may be 1 or 2. However, in this case, in order to position the metal component 22, it is preferred that the outer periphery of the metal component 22 contacts a portion of the inner periphery of the recess 21 without the protrusion.

[0059] The above-described recessed portion 21 and metal member 22 of the second embodiment can also achieve the same effects as those of the first embodiment.

[0060] (Third Embodiment)

[0061] A third embodiment in which the planar shapes of the recess and the metal component are different will be described. Figure 1A to Figure 1C and Figure 2A to Figure 2C The overall structure of the thermal print head of the first embodiment shown is the same, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0062] like Figure 6 As shown, the thermal print head of the third embodiment replaces Figure 2D and Figure 4 The recessed parts (11a to 11d) and the metal parts (12a to 12d) shown in the figure have one or more recessed parts 31 and the metal parts 32 arranged inside the recessed parts 31.

[0063] The outer periphery of the metal component 32 viewed from a direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the back surface (BS) of the heat sink 1 has a rectangular shape. In contrast, the inner periphery of the recess 31 has a rectangular shape having four sides longer than the metal component 32 and six protruding positioning portions 33. The front ends of the six positioning portions 33 are in contact with the outer periphery of the metal component 32, respectively. Specifically, in the outer periphery of the metal component 32, two positioning portions 33 are in contact with each of the two long sides, and one positioning portion 33 is in contact with each of the two short sides.

[0064] The inner periphery of the recessed portion 31 excluding the positioning portion 33 forms a partition portion 34 . Figure 6 The cross-sectional shapes of the recessed portion 31 and the metal component 32 shown are similar to those of Figure 3 That is, the recess 21 has a region where the metal member 32 is disposed and a groove region 34 where no metal member 32 is disposed. The bonding agent 13 is disposed between the bottom surface of the recess 31 and the metal member 32. A portion of the bonding agent 13 is disposed in the groove region 34.

[0065] In addition, the inner periphery of the recess 31 and the outer periphery of the metal component 32 are not limited to a rectangular shape, but may be a square shape. The number of the protruding positioning parts 33 is not limited to 6. In order to position the metal component 32, the outer periphery of the metal component 32 may contact a part of the inner periphery of the recess 31 without the protrusion.

[0066] The above-described recessed portion 31 and metal member 32 of the third embodiment can also achieve the same effects as those of the first embodiment.

[0067] (Fourth Embodiment)

[0068] A fourth embodiment in which the planar shapes of the recess and the metal component are different will be described. Figure 1A to Figure 1C and Figure 2A to Figure 2C The overall structure of the first embodiment shown is the same, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0069] like Figure 7 As shown, the thermal print head of the fourth embodiment replaces Figure 2D and Figure 4 The recessed parts (11a to 11d) and the metal parts (12a to 12d) shown in the figure have one or more recessed parts 41 and the metal parts 42 arranged inside the recessed parts 41.

[0070] The outer periphery of the metal component 42 viewed from a direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the back surface (BS) of the heat sink 1 has a perfect circular shape. In contrast, the inner periphery of the recess 41 has a perfect circular shape having a diameter substantially equal to that of the outer periphery of the metal component 42. The term “substantially equal” means an allowable dimensional difference to the extent that the metal component 42 can be arranged inside the recess 41. The inner periphery of the recess 41 is in contact with the outer periphery of the metal component 42, and there is no contact between the inner periphery of the recess 41 and the outer periphery of the metal component 42. Figure 4 The metal component 42 has two through holes (44a, 44b) instead of this structure. By installing the metal component 42 in the recess 41, the two through holes (44a, 44b) constitute the groove area (44a, 44b) where the metal component 42 is not arranged, and a part of the bonding agent 13 is arranged in the groove area (44a, 44b). In other words, the groove area (44a, 44b) is surrounded by the metal component 42. Excess bonding agent can be squeezed into the through holes (groove area).

[0071] In addition, the inner periphery of the recess 41 and the outer periphery of the metal member 42 are not limited to a perfect circular shape, but may be an elliptical or square shape. Similarly, the through holes (44a, 44b) are not limited to a perfect circular shape, but may be an elliptical or square shape. The number of through holes (44a, 44b) is not limited to two, but may be one or more than three.

[0072] The above-described recessed portion 41 and metal member 42 of the fourth embodiment can also achieve the same effects as those of the first embodiment.

[0073] (Fifth Embodiment)

[0074] A fifth embodiment in which the planar shapes of the recess and the metal component are different will be described. Figure 1A to Figure 1C and Figure 2A to Figure 2C The overall structure of the first embodiment shown is the same, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0075] like Figure 8 As shown, the thermal print head of the fifth embodiment replaces Figure 2D and Figure 4 The recessed parts ( 11 a to 11 d ) and the metal parts ( 12 a to 12 d ) shown in the figure include one or more recessed parts 51 and the metal parts 52 arranged inside the recessed parts 51 .

[0076] The outer periphery of the metal component 52 viewed from a direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the back surface (BS) of the heat sink 1 has a perfect circular shape. In contrast, the inner periphery of the recess 51 has an elliptical shape having a major diameter longer than the diameter of the perfect circle of the metal component 22 and a minor diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the perfect circle of the metal component 22.

[0077] The recessed portion 51 viewed from a direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the back surface (BS) of the heat sink 1 includes an area where the metal component 52 is disposed and groove areas (54a, 54b) where no metal component 52 is disposed. A portion of the extruded adhesive 13 is disposed on the bottom surface of the groove areas (54a, 54b). The two groove areas (54a, 54b) are disposed at positions sandwiching the metal component 52.

[0078] The inner periphery of the recessed portion 51 viewed from a direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the back surface (BS) has a plurality of positioning portions (55a, 55b) in contact with the outer periphery of the metal component 52 and partition portions (54a, 54b) spaced apart from the outer periphery of the metal component 52. The two groove regions (54a, 54b) are arranged at positions sandwiching the metal component 52.

[0079] The above-described recessed portion 51 and metal member 52 of the fifth embodiment can also achieve the same effects as those of the first embodiment.

[0080] (Sixth Embodiment)

[0081] A sixth embodiment in which the planar shapes of the recess and the metal component are different will be described. Figure 1A to Figure 1C and Figure 2A to Figure 2C The overall structure of the first embodiment shown is the same, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0082] like Fig. 9 As shown, the thermal print head of the sixth embodiment replaces Figure 2D and Figure 4 The recessed parts ( 11 a to 11 d ) and the metal parts ( 12 a to 12 d ) shown in the figure include one or more recessed parts 61 and the metal parts 62 arranged inside the recessed parts 61 .

[0083] The recess 61 viewed from a direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the back surface (BS) of the heat sink 1 has an area where the metal member 62 is disposed and groove areas (64a to 64d) where no metal member 62 is disposed. A portion of the extruded adhesive 13 is disposed on the bottom surface of the groove areas (64a to 64d).

[0084] The outer periphery of the metal component 62 viewed from a direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the back surface (BS) of the heat sink 1 has a perfect circular shape. In contrast, the inner periphery of the recess 61 has four positioning portions (63a to 63d) in contact with the outer periphery of the metal component 62 and a partition portion 64 spaced apart from the outer periphery of the metal component 62. A portion of the inner periphery of the recess 61 is consistent with the outer periphery of the metal component 62 within the range allowed by the processing accuracy of the inner periphery of the recess 61 and the outer periphery of the metal component 62. Two groove areas (64a, 64c) are arranged at positions sandwiching the metal component 62. Similarly, two groove areas (64b, 64d) are arranged at positions sandwiching the metal component 62.

[0085] The above-described recessed portion 61 and metal member 62 of the sixth embodiment can also achieve the same effects as those of the first embodiment.

[0086] (Seventh Embodiment)

[0087] A seventh embodiment in which the cross-sectional shape of the recessed portion is different is described. Figure 1A to Figure 1C and Figure 2A to Figure 2C The overall structure of the first embodiment shown is the same, and the description thereof is omitted. In addition, regardless of the planar shapes of the recess and the metal member, the planar shapes described in the first to sixth embodiments or their modified examples can be combined and implemented.

[0088] like Fig.10 As shown, the cross-sectional structure of the recess 11a of the seventh embodiment is similar to Figure 3 The cross-sectional structure of the recess 11a shown is different. A depression (16a to 16c) is formed in a portion of the bottom surface of the recess 11a. The width of the depression (16a to 16c) is narrower than that of the recess 11a, and a plurality of depressions (16a to 16c) are formed in one recess 11a. A portion of the adhesive 13 extruded from the gap between the bottom surface of the recess 11a and the metal component 12a is arranged not only in the groove area (14a, 14b) but also in the depression (16a to 16c). As a result, the volume that can accommodate the extruded adhesive 13 can be increased, and a greater unevenness in the amount of adhesive 13 can be allowed.

[0089] In addition, the depressions (16a, 16c) overlap with the groove regions (14a, 14b) when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the back surface (BS) of the heat sink 1. The depressions (16a, 16c) formed directly below the groove regions (14a, 14b) can be seen from a direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the back surface (BS) of the heat sink 1. Thus, the excess adhesive 13 disposed in the depressions (16a, 16c) can be identified.

[0090] (Eighth Embodiment)

[0091] The eighth embodiment in which the planar shapes of the recess and the metal component are different is described. Figure 1A to Figure 1C The overall structure of the first embodiment shown is the same, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0092] Fig.11A It is a side view showing the side surface of the heat sink 1 in the main scanning direction (X direction) according to the eighth and ninth embodiments. Fig. 11B The eighth embodiment of the thermal print head is a bottom view showing the back side (BS) of the heat sink 1. Figure 2B and Figure 2D The four recesses (11a to 11d) and the four metal parts (12a to 12d) shown in FIG. Fig.11A and Fig. 11B The one concave portion 71 shown in the figure and the one metal component 72 disposed inside the concave portion 71. In addition, Fig.11A Only the heat sink 1 is shown, and the metal member 72 and the bonding agent 13 are omitted.

[0093] The recess 71 extends along the main scanning direction (X direction) between the two ends (T1, T2) of the heat sink 1 in the main scanning direction (X direction) in which the multiple heating portions 5 are arranged. In other words, the recess 71 has a pair of side surfaces (S1, S2) parallel to the main scanning direction (X direction) in which the multiple heating resistor portions 5 are arranged. The pair of side surfaces (S1, S2) are formed from the first end T1 in the X direction of the heat sink 1 to the second end T2 in the X direction. Thus, a portion of the inner circumference of the recess 71 is located at the first end T1 and the second end T2, and the remaining portion of the inner circumference of the recess 71 forms a pair of side surfaces (S1, S2) of the recess 71. In other words, the inner circumference of the recess 71 has a rectangular shape formed by the first end T1 and the second end T2 in the X direction of the heat sink 1 and the pair of side surfaces (S1, S2) of the recess 71.

[0094] Fig. 11C It means along Fig. 11B FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the structure of the concave portion 71 and the metal component 72 at the BB' section. Fig. 11B and Fig. 11CAs shown, the recess 71 viewed from a direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the back side (BS) of the heat sink 1 has an area where the metal component 72 is arranged and groove areas (74a, 74b) where the metal component 72 is not arranged. The metal component 72 is arranged in the central part of the recess 71 in the X direction, and the groove areas (74a, 74b) are areas including the first end T1 and the second end T2 of the heat sink 1, respectively. An adhesive 13 is arranged between the bottom surface of the recess 71 and the metal component 72. In addition, a portion of the adhesive 13 that is extruded toward the X direction from the area where the metal component 72 is arranged is arranged on the bottom surface of the groove areas (74a, 74b). Therefore, a portion of the adhesive 13 arranged on the bottom surface of the groove areas (74a, 74b) can be identified from a direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the back side (BS) of the heat sink 1. Fig. 11C In FIG. 1 , only the groove region 74 a is shown, and the groove region 74 b is omitted from illustration. The groove region 74 b has a structure symmetrical to the groove region 74 a with respect to the YZ plane.

[0095] The central parts of the pair of side surfaces (S1, S2) form two positioning parts that contact the long sides of the metal component 72. That is, the distance between the pair of side surfaces (S1, S2) and the length of the metal component 72 in the Y-axis direction are consistent within the range allowed by the processing accuracy of the recessed portion 71 and the metal component 72. Thus, the in-plane position of the metal component 72 relative to the recessed portion 71 can be determined.

[0096] The inner periphery of the recessed portion 71 viewed from the direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the back surface (BS), specifically, the two end portions of the side surfaces (S1, S2) and the two side surfaces (S1, S2) form partitions (74a, 74b) spaced apart from the outer periphery of the metal component 72. The inner periphery of the recessed portion 71 has the positioning portion and the partitions (74a, 74b), thereby positioning the metal component 72 without wiping off the excess bonding agent 13, and preventing the metal component 72 from falling off.

[0097] The groove area (74a, 74b) is open in the first end T1 and the second end T2. Therefore, the amount of the adhesive 13 extruded is preferably suppressed to an amount that does not reach the first end T1 and the second end T2. Alternatively, the width of the groove area (74a, 74b) in the X direction is preferably a width to the extent that the extruded adhesive 13 does not reach the first end T1 and the second end T2. Thus, it is possible to suppress the adhesive 13 from being extruded from the first end T1 and the second end T2, and the adhesive 13 does not need to be wiped off.

[0098] As described above, the concave portion 71 has a pair of side surfaces parallel to the main scanning direction (X direction) in which the plurality of heating resistors 5 are arranged, and the pair of side surfaces is formed from the first end portion in the X direction of the heat sink 1 to the second end portion in the X direction. In other words, in any cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the X direction, the heat sink 1 has Fig.11AThe cross-sectional shape shown. Fig.11A The opening of the die mold of the same shape extrude the heated material, and the recess 71 can also be formed at the same time when manufacturing the heat sink 1. After the heat sink 1 without the recess is first manufactured, there is no need to form the recess through other processes such as cutting. Therefore, since the recess 71 can also be formed by extrusion molding in the X direction at the same time, the manufacturing process of the heat sink 1 is simplified. Other than this, it is the same as the first embodiment and the description is omitted. The recess 71 and the metal part 72 of the eighth embodiment described above can also obtain the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0099] (Ninth Embodiment)

[0100] A ninth embodiment in which the planar shapes of the recess and the metal component are different is described. Figure 1A to Figure 1C The overall structure of the first embodiment shown is the same, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0101] Fig. 12A The bottom view shows the back side (BS) of the heat sink 1 according to the ninth embodiment. Figure 2B and Figure 2D The four recesses (11a to 11d) and the four metal parts (12a to 12d) shown in FIG. Fig. 12A The one recessed portion 71 shown is provided with four metal members (82a, 82b, 82c, 82d) disposed inside the recessed portion 71. The recessed portion 71 of the ninth embodiment is the same as the recessed portion 71 described in the eighth embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0102] In the ninth embodiment, four metal parts (82a to 82d) are arranged at intervals from each other inside the recess 71. The metal part 82a closest to the first end T1 is arranged at an interval from the first end T1. The metal part 82d closest to the second end T2 is arranged at an interval from the second end T2. As a result, the recess 71 viewed from the direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the back surface (BS) of the heat sink 1 is divided into an area where the four metal parts (82a to 82d) are arranged and five groove areas (84a, 84b, 84c, 84d, 84e). In the five groove areas (84a to 84e), a part of the adhesive 13 extruded from the bottom surface of the metal parts (82a to 82d) is arranged. In addition, the number of metal parts (82a to 82d) is not limited to 4, and may be 2, 3, or 5 or more.

[0103] Fig. 12B It means along Fig. 12A FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the structure of the recessed portion 71 and the metal component 82 a taken along the line CC′. Fig. 12BOnly the metal component 82a and the groove area (84a, 84b) around the metal component 82a are shown, and the illustration of other metal components (82b~82e) and the groove areas (84b~84e) around them are omitted. However, the other metal components (82b~82e) and the groove areas (84b~84e) also have the same structure as the metal component 82a and the groove areas (84a, 84b). The adhesive 13 is arranged between the bottom surface of the recess 71 and the metal components (82a~82d). In addition, a portion of the adhesive 13 that is extruded from the area where the metal component 72 is arranged in the X direction is arranged on the bottom surface of the groove area (84a~84e). Therefore, a portion of the adhesive 13 arranged on the bottom surface of the groove area (84a~84e) can be identified from the direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the back surface (BS) of the heat sink 1.

[0104] A portion of the pair of side surfaces (S1, S2) forms a positioning portion that contacts the long sides of each of the metal components (82a to 82d). That is, the distance between the pair of side surfaces (S1, S2) and the length of the metal components (82a to 82d) in the Y-axis direction are consistent within the range allowed by the processing accuracy of the recessed portion 71 and the metal components (82a to 82d). Thus, the in-plane position of the metal components (82a to 82d) relative to the recessed portion 71 can be determined.

[0105] The inner periphery of the recessed portion 71 viewed from the direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the back surface (BS), specifically, the side surfaces (S1, S2) and both side surfaces (S1, S2) not in contact with the metal components (82a to 82d), further includes partitions (84a to 84e) spaced apart from the outer periphery of the metal component 72. The inner periphery of the recessed portion 71 includes the positioning portion and the partitions (84a to 84e), thereby eliminating the need for wiping off excess bonding agent 13 while positioning the metal components (82a to 82d) and preventing the metal components (82a to 82d) from falling off.

[0106] The groove area (84a, 84d) is open in the first end T1 and the second end T2. Therefore, the amount of the adhesive 13 extruded is preferably suppressed to an amount that does not reach the first end T1 and the second end T2. Alternatively, the width of the groove area (84a, 84d) in the X direction is preferably a width to the extent that the extruded adhesive 13 does not reach the first end T1 and the second end T2. As a result, it is possible to suppress the adhesive 13 from being extruded from the first end T1 and the second end T2, and the adhesive 13 does not need to be wiped off.

[0107] A plurality of metal parts (82a to 82d) are arranged at intervals inside the recess 71. As a result, the number of groove areas (84a to 84e) formed in the recess 71 increases compared to the case of one metal part 72. As a result, it is possible to suppress the falling off of each of the metal parts (82a to 82d). Furthermore, it is possible to further suppress the falling off of the thermal print head from the thermal printer body. Other than this, it is the same as the first embodiment and the description is omitted. The recess 71 and the metal parts (82a to 82d) of the ninth embodiment described above can also obtain the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0108] The above-described embodiments may be implemented in combination of two or more embodiments instead of being implemented individually. For example, a back surface (BS) of a heat sink 1 may be formed. Figures 4 to 9 The plurality of recesses and metal parts with different planar shapes are shown. Figures 4 to 6 , Figure 8 , Fig. 9 The metal parts shown can also be formed Figure 7 Through holes (44a, 44b).

[0109] In addition, the above-mentioned embodiment is an example of a mode for implementing the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and other modes are also possible, and various changes can be made according to design, etc. as long as they do not depart from the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention.

[0110] In the eighth and ninth embodiments, no groove region is formed between the side surfaces (S1, S2) of the recessed portion 71 and the metal components (72, 82a to 82d). Figure 7 The through holes (44a, 44b) shown may also have one or more through holes that penetrate the metal parts (72, 82a to 82d) in the Z direction. The through holes form new groove areas where the metal parts 72 are not arranged, and the excess bonding agent can be squeezed into the through holes (groove areas).

[0111] The metal parts (72, 82a to 82d) of other modified examples of the eighth embodiment and the ninth embodiment may have a protruding positioning part protruding toward the side surface (S1, S2) of the recess 71 at a part of the outer periphery of the metal parts (72, 82a to 82d). The front end of the positioning part contacts the side surface (S1, S2) of the recess 71 within the range allowed by the processing accuracy of the recess 71 and the metal parts (72, 82a to 82d). In this case, by setting the length of the metal parts (72, 82a to 82d) in the Y-axis direction to be shorter than the distance between the pair of side surfaces (S1, S2) of the recess 71, the protruding positioning part can be provided at a part of the outer periphery of the metal parts 72. As a result, a groove area can be newly provided between the side surfaces (S1, S2) of the recess 71 and the metal parts 72. Excess adhesive can be squeezed out in the new groove area.

[0112] The entire contents of Japanese Patent Application 2020-141644 (filing date August 25, 2020) are cited here to protect the present application from mistranslation or omission.

[0113] Explanation of symbols

[0114] 5Heating resistor part (heating part)

[0115] 2a head substrate

[0116] 1 heat sink

[0117] BS Back

[0118] 11a~11d, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71 concave parts

[0119] 13. Jointing agent

[0120] 12a~12d、22、32、42、52、62、72、82a~82d Metal parts

[0121] 14a, 14b, 24, 34, 44a, 44b, 54a, 54b, 64a to 64d, 74a, 74b, 84a to 84e groove area (partitioning portion, through hole)

[0122] 15a, 15b, 23, 33, 55a, 55b, 63a to 63d positioning parts

[0123] 16a~16c depression

Claims

1. A thermal print head, characterized in that: include: A head substrate having a plurality of heat generating portions formed thereon; a heat sink thermally connected to the head substrate, wherein a recess is formed on a back surface of the heat sink opposite to a surface connected to the head substrate; a metal component disposed inside the recess; and a bonding agent disposed between the bottom surface of the recess and the metal component, Viewed from a direction perpendicular to the back surface, the recess has: an area where the metal component is disposed; and The groove area of ​​the metal component is not configured, A portion of the bonding agent is disposed in the groove region, The slot area is surrounded by the metal component.

2. A thermal print head, characterized in that: include: A head substrate having a plurality of heat generating portions formed thereon; a heat sink thermally connected to the head substrate, wherein a recess is formed on a back surface of the heat sink opposite to a surface connected to the head substrate; a metal component disposed inside the recess; and a bonding agent disposed between the bottom surface of the recess and the metal component, Viewed from a direction perpendicular to the back surface, the recess has: an area where the metal component is disposed; and The groove area of ​​the metal component is not configured, A portion of the bonding agent is disposed in the groove region, A depression is formed in a portion of the bottom surface of the recessed portion.

3. The thermal print head according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The inner periphery of the recessed portion, viewed from a direction perpendicular to the rear surface, has a plurality of positioning portions that are in contact with the outer periphery of the metal member.

4. The thermal print head according to claim 3, wherein: The inner periphery of the recess further includes a partition spaced apart from the outer periphery of the metal member when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the rear surface.

5. The thermal print head according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The recessed portion has at least two groove regions, and the at least two groove regions are arranged at positions sandwiching the metal member.

6. The thermal print head according to claim 2, wherein: The depression overlaps the groove region when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the rear surface.

7. The thermal print head according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The metal component is a ferromagnetic body.

8. The thermal print head according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The material of the metal component is cold-rolled steel plate.

9. The thermal print head according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The surfaces of the metal parts are zinc-plated.

10. The thermal print head according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The recessed portion extends along the main scanning direction between both ends of the heat dissipation plate in the main scanning direction where the plurality of heat generating portions are arranged.

11. The thermal print head according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The concave portion has a pair of side surfaces parallel to the main scanning direction in which the plurality of heat generating portions are arranged. The pair of side surfaces are formed from a first end portion of the heat dissipation plate in the main scanning direction to a second end portion in the main scanning direction.

12. The thermal print head according to claim 10, wherein: The plurality of metal members are arranged at intervals from each other inside the recess.

13. A thermal printer, characterized in that: A thermal print head according to claim 1 or 2.

14. The thermal printer according to claim 13, wherein: The invention also comprises a printer body which fixes the thermal print head by using the magnetic force of the magnet.

15. A method for manufacturing a heat sink, for manufacturing the heat sink in the thermal print head according to claim 10, characterized in that: The recessed portion is formed by extrusion molding along the main scanning direction.

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